Shincheonji Church released a formal statement addressing concerns over religious freedom, constitutional rights, and the separation of church and state amid a government investigation.
On January 19, 2026, members of the Shincheonji Church released a formal and comprehensive statement addressing recent executive actions that ordered a joint investigation into the religious body. Rather than responding with confrontation, the statement carefully raised questions about fairness, constitutional principles, and the proper boundaries between state authority and religious freedom.
At the heart of the issue lies a fundamental concern: whether a democratic society can preserve justice when public institutions adopt emotionally charged labels before any investigation begins.
The Risk of Prejudgment in the Judicial Process
The statement emphasizes that the use of terms such as social harm, cult, and heresy by government officials risks undermining the neutrality of the legal process. According to the church, such language creates an environment where conclusions appear to be drawn before facts are examined.
In any society governed by the rule of law, investigations are meant to begin with evidence—not assumptions. When a religious group is publicly framed as a problem in advance, the presumption of innocence becomes difficult to protect.
Constitutional Concerns and Religious Autonomy
The Shincheonji Church argues that recent actions raise serious constitutional questions, particularly regarding Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees freedom of religion.
The statement warns against unilateral state intervention in religious matters, noting that defining religious legitimacy is not within the scope of secular authority. Matters of faith, doctrine, and belief cannot be measured through political criteria without compromising the principle of separation between church and state.
Who Defines Doctrine in a Secular State?
A central question raised in the statement is one that resonates beyond any single religious community:
By what authority does a secular government judge religious doctrine?
The statement maintains that theological judgments—such as determining orthodoxy or heresy—must be grounded solely in Scripture, not shaped by political context or public sentiment. When governments assume the role of theological arbiters, religious freedom risks becoming conditional rather than guaranteed.
Legal Precedent and Due Process
The church points to past legal proceedings, noting that despite repeated allegations over the years, judicial reviews have consistently resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion.
This history, the statement argues, demonstrates the importance of allowing the legal system to function independently, free from political pressure or social labeling.
A Call for Dialogue Through Scripture
Rather than escalating conflict, the Shincheonji Church once again proposed an open and public Bible examination. This approach, according to the statement, offers a constructive path for resolving theological disagreements through Scripture rather than through administrative force.
Dialogue rooted in transparency, the church asserts, strengthens both religious freedom and social trust.
Public Service and Social Contribution
The statement also reaffirms the church’s long-standing commitment to society. Activities such as large-scale blood donation initiatives and disaster relief efforts are cited as tangible expressions of civic responsibility.
These efforts, the church explains, reflect a consistent intention to contribute positively to the Republic of Korea, beyond religious boundaries.
The Broader Implications for Democracy
The statement concludes with a broader warning: when scapegoating becomes a political tool, democracy itself is weakened. If a minority religious group can be marginalized today due to political convenience or majority sentiment, other vulnerable groups may face similar treatment tomorrow.
Members of the Shincheonji Church affirm their identity as both sincere believers and responsible citizens. They call on the state to move away from emotional and abstract branding, to rely on verifiable facts and law, and to uphold its constitutional duty to treat all citizens equally—regardless of faith.
The Shincheonji Church remains committed to the truth of the Bible, the principles of law and order, and continued service to the community, while firmly standing on its constitutional right to practice faith without discrimination.
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